The thickened, yellowish, and ugly looking nails that result from a fungal infection of the nail bed can cause a lot of frustration and embarrassment. They can also cause a bit of fear—fear that you might have to show those nails in public, yes, but also fear from your family or housemates that you might pass the condition on to them as well.
Fungal toenails are not nearly as contagious a cold or flu, but it can be transferred from person to person under certain circumstances. And the penalty for transmission is high, since the condition won’t simply go away in a few days. Indeed, fungal toenails can last indefinitely if not treated, so while they make their home in your feet, it’s best to—at the very least—keep them to yourself!